A-Level / ENGLISH LANGUAGE – MEANING AND REPRESENTATION (AQA)
English Language A-level
1) Analyse how Text A uses language to create meanings and representations.
Text A is an opinion piece that analyzes the television coverage of the royal wedding between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The author uses language devices and structural devices to create meanings and representations of the different channels’ coverage.
The author starts with a rhetorical question, “which channel managed best?” This question sets the tone for the article and suggests that the author is going to provide an answer to the question. The use of the word “best” implies that there is a standard to be met, and the author is going to evaluate the channels’ coverage based on that standard.
The author uses humour and sarcasm throughout the article to create a light-hearted tone. For example, when describing the sets used by the different channels, the author says, “If the BBC was trying to show license payers they’re not squandering on aesthetics, they succeeded.” This statement is humorous because it implies that the BBC’s set was so unattractive that it must have been intentional. The use of the word “squandering” implies that the BBC has a lot of money to spend, and it is not using it wisely.
The author also uses irony to create meaning. When describing the presenters’ attire, the author says, “Kirsty Young seemed to have dressed for another event entirely in a dark green frock best described as dour.” The use of the word “dour” implies that the dress is gloomy and depressing. However, the author is describing a wedding, which is supposed to be a joyous occasion. The contrast between the tone of the dress and the occasion creates irony.
The author uses descriptive language to create representations of the different channels’ coverage. The author describes the BBC’s set as having “sofas from IKEA and occasional tables straight from your nan’s house.” This description creates an image of a mismatched and outdated set. The author also describes Sky News’ set as having a “full-on red, white, and blue theme complete with abstract Union Flag carpet.” This description creates an image of a patriotic and visually appealing set.
The author also creates representations of the presenters. The author describes Dermot O’Leary’s shirt as “horribly tight around the neck.” This description creates an image of discomfort and implies that O’Leary is not dressed appropriately for the occasion. The author also describes Julie Etchingham as “the People’s Presenter” and Holly Willoughby as trying to “pull focus.” These descriptions create representations of the presenters’ personalities and motivations.
In conclusion, Text A uses language devices and structural devices to create meanings and representations of the television coverage of the royal wedding. The author uses humor, sarcasm, irony, and descriptive language to create representations of the sets, presenters, and coverage. The use of these devices creates a light-hearted tone and implies that the author is not taking the coverage too seriously. The article is an entertaining and amusing analysis of the television coverage of the royal wedding.
2) Analyse how Text B uses language to create meanings and representations.
Text B is a first-person narrative account of Queen Victoria’s wedding to Prince Albert. The language and structural devices used in the text create a sense of grandeur, formality, and intimacy.
One of the most striking language devices used in the text is the Queen’s use of adjectives to describe the crowds and the procession. She writes, “I never saw such crowds,” “The Procession looked beautiful,” and “The Ceremony was very impressive & fine, yet simple.” These adjectives not only provide visual imagery for the reader but also suggest that the Queen was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the occasion. Additionally, the use of the adverb “very” adds emphasis to the Queen’s positive evaluations.
The text also employs structural devices to create meaning and representation. For example, the narrative is organized into short paragraphs that break down the sequence of events in the wedding. Each paragraph begins with a location or a specific event, such as “When I arrived at St. James’s Palace” and “The Procession looked beautiful going downstairs.” This structure provides a clear chronological account of the events and emphasises the formality and precision of the wedding.
The use of proper nouns and titles is another structural device used in the text. The Queen refers to Lord Melbourne, Lord Uxbridge, Lord Belfast, and the Queen Dowager, among others. This use of titles highlights the hierarchical nature of the wedding and emphasizes the Queen’s royal status.
Moreover, the Queen’s account also emphasizes the intimate aspects of the wedding. She writes, “I felt so happy when he placed the ring on my finger,” which adds a personal and emotional dimension to the narrative. This emphasis on the Queen’s emotions and feelings contrasts with the formality and grandeur of the occasion.
The use of direct speech is another language device used in the text. For instance, the Queen states, “Albert repeated everything very distinctly.” This use of direct speech adds authenticity and realism to the narrative, as if the reader is hearing the event as it happened.
Finally, the use of religious references, symbols and bibliomancy as other language devices employed in the text. For instance, the Queen writes about “the vows he or she have made,” which refers to the religious aspect of the wedding ceremony. The reference to the “organ” also suggests the religious nature of the event.
In conclusion, Text B uses a variety of language and structural devices to create meanings and representations of Queen Victoria’s wedding to Prince Albert. The use of adjectives, proper nouns, titles, direct speech, and religious references, as well as the structure of the narrative, creates a sense of grandeur, formality, and intimacy.